Stars and Bios

Conductor and Stage Manager

Full Cast

Synopsis

	Mariana Zvetkova, Turandot. She began her career in the opera houses of Bulgaria, performing the lead roles in Il Travatore, Aida and Tannhaeuser. To further her professional studies, she went to Italy to study with Boris Christoff at the Academy of Arts and Culture in Rome and at Indiana University with Martina Arroyo. Since then, her international career has thrilled audiences in La Scala Milan, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Tokyo National Theatre, Connecticut Grand Opera and Michigan Opera, among others. She has recorded on Deutsche Grammophon, under the baton of renowned Maestro Giuseppe Sinopoli, and Beethoven's 9th Symphony with Radio France.  Ms. Zvetkova has won many awards, such as winning the Grand Prix of The International Competition in Toulouse in 1998 and 2nd Prize Winner at The Puccini Foundation Competition in New York in 1999.  She has also received grants and awards from the Olga Forrai Foundation and the Singers Development Foundation
	Bjung Sam Lee, Calaf.  Mr. Lee, the winner of the Enrico Caruso Vocal competition in Napoli, made his career debut in the role of Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly on the stage of the State Theater in Taeggio, South Korea. He made his debut in the role of Calaf in Turandot in Italy. In 2004 he received great acclaim for his performances in the roles of Turridu and Canio on the stage of the Florence Opera House in Italy. Lee is a regular guest soloist in the opera houses of Spain, Austria, France, The Netherlands, Germany, South Korea and Bulgaria. His repertoire includes the major tenor roles in Aida, Nabucco, Il Trovatore, La Traviata, Carmen, La Boheme, Madama Butterfly, Turandot, Cavalleria Rusticana, Pagliacci and many others. This performance is Mr. Lee’s debut with the Wichita Grand Opera.
	Noboru Aomori, Liu. In 1993 she debuted in Rossini’s Stabat Mater in Assisi e Terni, Italy. Since then she has dazzled audiences on some of the most renowned European stages in France, Italy, Austria, Germany, England, Switzerland, Japan and the United States. In 2003 Ms. Aomori recorded with the world famous Italian baritone, Leo Nucci. She won first prize in the International Singing Competition “TORTONA” in 1992. This performance will mark Ms. Aomori’s debut with Wichita Grand Opera.